The idea of a road trip and attending a music festival sounds like fun, right? Who doesn’t want to enjoy good music and good company anyway. But if you’re talking about doing that with a baby in tow, it’s a whole different story altogether.

It is possible, however, and you can survive it if you follow these tips—and pack a lot of patience:

Get your car ready for the road.

Think of your car as your home while you’re on the road, so you need to make it as comfortable as possible, especially for your baby. The truth is, babies will tend to get fussy inside the car because it’s unfamiliar territory for them. But if you prepare your car properly, you can make it a great place for your little one to relax in and actually enjoy the trip. Remember that when babies are comfortable, they’re less fussy.

For starters, you need to make sure that everything is in good shape by having a thorough check to avoid any breakdowns on the road. You don’t want to be in the middle of the road changing tyres while your baby is crying, right? Once you have that covered, it’s time to accessorise your car to make it more “baby-friendly.” First on the list are car window shades for baby to keep the sunlight from hurting your little one’s eyes. You can also buy some toys that you can hang around the car seat to keep your child entertained during the trip.

Pack everything that you’ll need for the road.

You probably know by now that travelling with a baby means packing double than what you would normally bring if you’re travelling as a couple. Now, since you’re going on a road trip, you need to be strategic when packing for your little one.

Aside from packing a luggage with your baby’s needs, you should also have a separate caddy or bag with all the essentials— diapers, wipes, formula, baby bottles and some snacks—and put it nearby for easy access. This way, you can easily do diaper changes or feed your child, so he won’t be fussy for long.

It’s also good to pack blankets, pillows, and whatever your baby needs to be comfortable while you’re on the road. Remember that babies thrive on routine, so bringing some familiar things will help keep them calm during your trip.

Plan your trip around your baby’s routine.

Again, babies need their routines to be calm, and going on a road trip will take them out of that, which can result in fussiness and a lot of crying. But you can actually prevent—or reduce—that by planning your trip around your little one’s routine.

For one, you need to know the complete schedule of the music festival you’re going to, so you know exactly what to expect during this trip. Since you don’t want to be rushing to the location, you have to give yourself some leeway for travel with all the stops you need to take.

It’s also very important to book your accommodations ahead since you don’t want your baby to be asleep in the car seat the whole time. Pit stops should also be planned according to your child’s routine to give them time for diaper changes, feeds, and the other activities that they’re used to. Remember that a happy baby means a happy trip, and the only way to achieve that is by planning properly.

Invest in a good car seat.

You sure don’t want to be sitting in an uncomfortable chair in a car for hours, right? So does your baby! A good car seat isn’t only for comfort but also safety, which is why there are strict guidelines for car seats to make sure that they follow the right safety standards.

By choosing the right car seat, you can guarantee that your little one will be safe and comfortable during your road trip. That means less crying and a more peaceful time on the road.

Find ways to entertain the baby. 

If this is your first time travelling with your baby, keep in mind that it will get better the more you do it. Entertaining a baby on the road can be quite the challenge, especially since they’re in a new environment. But what you can do is determine what catches your baby’s interest the most.

Some babies love it when their parents talk to them, while other babies love a certain toy that will keep them entertained for others. Find what works best for your baby, and you won’t have a hard time.